The Best Boy In Ireland

Season Ended

Venue

The Best Boy In Ireland is an hour of successive storytelling about one man’s journey to becoming a comedian, Irish life and families.

Thriving in the intimate setting of the Studio Startup Basement, audiences will be treated to the rapid-fire, edgy storytelling of Kilkenny comedian Michael Rice, aka Big Mike.

Following the footsteps of other Irish comedians who started their careers overseas, Rice’s story begins in rural Kilkenny (south-east farm land in Ireland) with an array of characters – namely his family.

As Rice presents different family members and friends into the mix, he gives the audience well-developed characters in his adventures.

His ability to rapidly transform into these characters, with distinct accents of varying success, will give audiences an accurate look into Irish life.

The star character of this performance would be Rice’s father.

Depicted as non-verbose, conservative, crow hating and fried sausage loving, Rice’s formidable father is the perfect foil for Big Mike’s style of comedy.

The audience howled with delight as they got to see a perfectly timed photograph of his father; it was a highlight of the hour.

Another aspect of the performance also depicted contemporary Irish life, it would be rare to find people willing to poke fun at the divisive Irish ‘Repeal the 8th’ campaign.

Everyone in Rice’s story was a fair target and the humour was well received.

While the beginning and middle sections of the hour were excellent, the ending felt disjointed.

Steering away from the popular family stories which left the audience in stitches of laughter, the ending stories focused on Rice’s job seeking attempts.

Being an overseas comedian, there will be some expected references to Australian summers and a dreadful attempt at an Australian accent.

While gimmicky, these references are never intended to be nasty.

Rice’s affable personality and friendly greeting to all attendees was also an appreciated touch.

Audiences will not be disappointed in this engaging hour of Irish life, dealing with families, and what it takes to follow your passions.

Love the show? Have your say!

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Comment

Gareth on 02 Nov 2019

Took a punt on this show and WOW we were not disapointed, Michael had us in stitches for basically the whole hour with his wonderful Irish whit and we have recommended this show to lots of people - 9/10 for me

Roger on 02 May 2019

This show had its moments but was mostly not very funny and often quite offensive.

Steven on 02 Jan 2019

If you only see one show at Fringe Festival Perth, make sure it is Michael Rice!

Mark on 15 Sep 2019

I’m front of a demanding audience “Big Mike” ran through his repertoire like a true pro. Engaged the audience just the right amount without being intrusive or embarrassing anyone. I left the venue after a thoroughly engaging and hilarious hour, without a doubt as to his “quaint” origins and with s big smile on my face. Thanks Big Mike.

Review by Elizabeth Lydon on 19 Jan 2019

I have been a professional writer for five years. I have previously featured in the University of Western Australia’s Centre for the History of Emotions website. I am passionate about the arts scene in Perth; I am looking forward to enjoying a diverse Fringe 2019!